Special Thanks to Tommy: George & Gracie’s Landlord

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

Rob Bierregaard July 1, 2015 at 7:24 am
I haven’t seen the little guy yet this morning, but I would be very surprised if he survived the night. That sure was tough to watch yesterday, but that whole process is as much a part of the essence of being an Osprey as is eating a fish. It’s part of the life of Ospreys that was rarely seen before we started putting cameras in nests. As hard as it is, we should not label the behavior as mean or cruel. Being mean or cruel implies that there is intent to do harm just for harm’s sake. Those young were responding to a set of stimuli (very little food being delivered to the nest and the presence of a very small young) in a way that evolution has hard-wired into them. It helps ensure their survival. Nature is not cruel. It is harsh, unforgiving, and often random (had the little guy been born 1st, he would have been just as aggressive as was his sibling), but not cruel or mean.

Paul Henry ospreyzone July 1, 2015 at 8:17 am
Thanks Rob for bringing your knowledge and experience to help us all gain perspective here. We are all saddened by the events that unfolded before our eyes and it’s only natural for all of us to feel and express our emotions appropriately. There have been many issues pertaining to intervention which have been discussed amongst us all. There is no doubt in my mind that the right decision was made, to let nature take it’s course. By the way, that doesn’t equate to heartless, on the contrary, nobody feels worse about this then the apparent decision makers. I say apparent, because when all was said and done, and all the issues were properly weighed, there really weren’t any other options. It was clearly pointed out, by experts, that intervening at this stage could have spooked the whole nest to the point of losing all the young. If the little one was saved, and nursed back to health, what kind of a life would it have had, perhaps caged up in a zoo. I remember when I was younger I saw a golden eagle in captivity, caged behind a wire mesh. I could practically see it’s tears. As far as placing the little one in another nest, such a low probability of success would never have justified the possibility of spooking the nest. There’s a piece of me, however heavy hearted, that believes that perhaps it is better to be born free and die free. We mourn for the little one as we marvel at the wonders of nature.

Reprinted with the permission of John W. Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Hello Paul,

Thanks for your query, and you have my admiration for persevering. We know very well how tough your job is, including dealing with an anxious public.

Our policy with our Bird Cams project is essentially “just say no” to pleas for interference. The behavior you are witnessing – while seemingly cruel and heartless to us – is natural for many kinds of birds, especially those that feed on variable, unpredictable food supplies. The little nestling does have a chance to survive, but if it does not then that result was “meant to be” by the nature of Osprey breeding strategy. The wonderful things about these nest cameras also sometimes yield the difficult things for us to watch. As you might know, we actually post a “siblicide alert” on some of our cams where we suspect the possibility exists.

I’m copying your note to Charles Eldermire, project leader for our Bird Cams. He may have some additional comments, and he would be the one to ask if we might be able to use your stored files for biological analysis.

It’s also important to acknowledge that intervening can also cause problems of its own—depending on the ages of the birds in the nest, disturbing them can trigger an early fledge. We have restricted the scenarios in which we would even consider intervening to injuries or dangers that are explicitly human-derived. For example, 3 or 4 years ago we were alerted by viewers that one of the osprey chicks at the Hellgate Osprey nest was entangled in monofilament line. We consulted with our partners there (wildlife biologists, raptor researchers, raptor rehabbers) to determine if the monofilament was an issue, and if intervening was both likely to solve the issue AND not have bad effects on the other nestlings. In the end, a quick trip to the nest was scheduled via a bucket truck, the monofilament was removed, and the nestlings all eventually fledged. In that case, all of the permits were already in hand to be studying the ospreys, and we had already discussed how to approach issues in the nest.

I’ve been to your site—great cam! And I noticed the runt in the nest. This is just normal Osprey reproduction. It happens all the time and you should not intervene. It’s tough to watch, but it’s how nature works. Ospreys almost always lay 3 eggs and on average fledge between 1 and 1.5 young each year. They stagger the hatch so there is a spread of ages in the young. That way, if food is short, the first-hatched (and therefore largest) will get enough food to survive while the smaller nest mates do not. If all three young were the same size and there was only enough food for 1 young, none of the young would get enough food and they would all die. If there’s lots of food, the smallest will eventually get fed and can survive. These nest cams can show some gut-wrenching scenes. The most infamous perhaps was one of the very first Osprey cams (on Long Island somewhere), where the smallest young died. One of the adults carried it out of the nest and after several minutes flew back into the nest and fed it to the other young. Waste-not-want-not at its goriest. At Hog Island up in Maine just last week a Bald Eagle came in and took the young out of the nest. Last year at another nest, cameras documented a Great-horned Owl taking young Ospreys out of a nest in NJ or MD. All of these things have been going on for millions of years and Ospreys are doing fine.

25,323 Comments

Firstly, I want to thank everyone who has been contributing stills and video, please keep them coming, much appreciated. We are no longer able to record every amazing moment of George and Gracie’s saga, it was just un-sustainable for us. So please continue to capture and share highlights. I especially love all the creative and informative clips that so many have been kind enough to create and post, thanks.

Apparently there was a show on public access TV last night (Tuesday), Channel 20 or 22 Long Island Cablevision channels, all about Ospreys and Ospreyzone. I’d love to know who made it and where I can see it, if anyone knows, or can find out please let me know.

We are looking for help or another way to handle and moderate our comments section, If anyone has thoughts or ideas pertaining to other ways, please share. I’m thinking that we should have a better way to immediately see posts.

Yes, the 4-hour replay still works. We used to record and save every day of the season, but are unable to do so this year due to the time and resources it took. This doesn’t have an effect on the live stream, but it means we rely on the community to save highlights.

Please, please, please, don’t visit the nest. It is on a private road in a private community. There is no parking there only private driveways and the nest is on private property. We don’t want to become an issue with the neighbors. Thanks

It Appears that Paul is unable to do the BABY NAMING CONTEST this year. So let’s take a vote,then these two babies can have a name before they migrate.

What do you say let’s all get involved even those who never posted before this is your chance.

Please post only 2 names that you would like for the babies to have, I will post a list of all the names after a couple days of posting and then we will ALL VOTE on the names that we have.
How does that sound? Ready, Set Post!

Due to management mis-communication, no one was there with a key this a.m. to open our store. So we had about 1/2 hr. to kill in the parking lot. I probably enjoyed this more than most because we had an osprey airshow……one of the kids from the Verizon nest was proudly flying around chirping at Dad (I believe) on his post . The kid was hauling a piece of fish around and showing Dad how good it was doing! Not sure if anyone else is still here from this nest.

Temps were in 80s today and sunny. Overnight may be cloudy, with temps dropping to mid 60s–good sleeping weather.
Tomorrow sunny again but cooler- mid 70s.

Gonna try to get to comments before sleep, but am looking forward to seeing how everyone is. HAGN …

Good Morning OZ family! Has anyone ever witnessed a juvie do some suicide dives? I watched my Port Washington Osprey family in amazement this morning. I thought at first he was being attacked as it looked as though he was falling out of the sky. But upon closer examination, I saw him spiraling on his own accord. It was quite beautiful to watch. He did this for quite sometime. They never cease to amaze me! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Wednesday morning… I saw something very unusual. One of the babies is arrives at the nest and George delivers a fish. The baby takes it from him. George starts a warning call- I think it was there was no sound this morning but it looked like he was giving a warning call- the baby stops eating and goes after George forcing George to take off and fly away.
I don’t like that. Don’t pick on Studmuffin. He’s been a GREAT dad this year.

Hi to Bob from Longboat Key: I, too, haven’t been on OZ as much as I was over the past three years, but I do take a quick peek approximately every other day. Both babies are doing fine. They have fledged, but neither has caught a fish yet. George has been bringing a lot of fish to the nest. I see that CarolV was asking if anyone has seen Gracie. So, I don’t know if she has flown the coop. I can’t believe it’s the middle of August already! As far as I know, they haven’t received official names yet. Hope this helps.

Hi everyone. This year has been one of sore disappointment for me as I have not been able to watch this lovely nest often. Not enough to keep up. So thank you everyone for your updates. Appreciate all. Question, quite some time ago I noticed Egbert sitting to the left of the screen really close to the edge – what ever happened to our dear Egbert? A fall, or did it get covered up?

I scrolled back to Aug 11 pics, and could see Eggbert, then on the 12th it was almost hidden, and saw it again in some Aug 13th pics, but had to really really look to see it. Eggbert is almost completely covered there (then). And Eggbert is closer to the edge more so than before. The kids look good, worried about that foot, hope it heals and no cause for concern in future.

Hi All, This is Bob from Longboat Key Florida and I haven’t been on the OZ site much lately. Just wanted to know if all was well so far with G&G and the two youngsters. Any response would be appreciated. Hope all OZ watchers are well. too.

8-16-17 Hi Bob, we have not seen the babies bring in their own fish yet. They are hanging out mostly on perch and away from nest now. Gracie is defiantly distancing herself earlier this year from nest. I think it has been 3 nights ago she stopped sleeping at the nest. The babies are coming to the nest to get fish from George but as of lately he too has slowed down the deliveries hopefully to get them to try and fish on own. The are still getting their fill of fish just not over plentiful like it was in past. We saw Gracie bring in fish a couple of times about 1 week ago not looking at my notes just estimating right now.. The 2 babies do sometimes take turns hanging out in nest mid afternoon taking a nap laying down for brief periods.
When George does come with a delivery its a drop and fly visit usually since the babies mantle a lot and are getting more aggressive to food delivers since they appear to be hungry, maybe from trying to fish on their own without success who knows.
I do know my juv Ospreys in backyard behaved liked this whenever they would fish from my tree and drop fish or just was not successful. They would try for several hours sitting in tree watching water to dive down then finally they would fly off crying to the nest and wait for dad to bring at least 1 fish in. Then they would fight for that fish. Now my Osprey juvs are really good at fishing and hard to spot them unless they are diving down from pine tree to get fish. They have even out flown the hawk a couple of times.

Bob Hurricane Season is now in full swing 2 already hope you are ready for this Season. I know I tested my generator the other day all set here as one can be.
Be safe us Floridians have to stick together.
Sooo glad you are still with us another great year with George & Gracie
Keep in Touch

Morning all. Juvie Osprey’s are the prettiest to me and this year G&G have the most beautiful AND sweet babies I have ever seen.I know I have and many others have enjoyed this year and Thanks to all that make it possible. I do think these two babies are spoiled with Geo bringing so many fish and they need to be bringing fish to nest that they have caught. Just saying…………….Osprey love to all.

Reply- DarDar the babies are more spoiled than babies in past due to only 2 of them and G&G are more experienced. George has finally slowed down deliveries now and they seem to be hungry every time he does arrive so hopefully they have started fishing just been unsuccessful or they might just be eating in tree. I am sure that they have been spending their time away from the nest trying to fish.
When they first start off they drop their fish a lot while they are flying or they dive down and come up empty.
At least in Florida the Ospreys in my backyard for many years I see this when they first start off.
Last year the babies ate their fish a lot in the nest this year the babies have been seen to eat a couple of bites then fly off with fish.
Thanks for posting DarDar this has been such a drama free year only having 2 Babies and plenty of fish.
Take Care

Just before 7 PM nest time; didn’t see who brought in the fish, but it’s a great big one. Is that one of the kids eating? I’m guessing so, due to all the showy-white outlines to feathers, vs. the osprey in foreground, much less white, and leads me to think that’s one of the parents. Looks like it was a gray, cloudy day at the nest today, 12 Aug.

Gracie stayed in nest last night …noticed yesterday 1 stayed in nest most of the day…she lost a big fish yesterday AM after George delivered it. flew off with it and came back empty handed. She should be doing a lot more flying…its about time for both of them to start catching their own fish…Love to the family

Weather for the Gs’ nest tonight…..it’s about 73 now but humid. Clouding over with rain, possible t-storms, starting early a.m.-2-3am thru Saturday till early afternoon-maybe 2pm.
High 60s tonight…mid 70s tomorrow.

Haven’t seen any fish come in since Gracie gave some to Brownie around 1pm.. Kids have been hanging around and were wildly happy to see George flying towards them.
@16:18 a lovely little stick from George

We have enjoyed most of your shows the past 2 years. However a lot of the action takes place on the right side of the picture, which does not show up. Is there a possibly that you may be able to center the camera next year?

Rjoneal…..Thanks…I can tell face view who is who–distance from side sometimes a problem…….Gracie seems to be detaching earlier this year….maybe because there are just 2, but I sort of remember her coming in with more fish last year…
I’m laughing at you talking to the computer ’cause I do it, too! But I have to turn down volume now, because my son is doing a masonry job where there is an osprey nest nearby and all he hears all day is osprey chat! His ears need a rest by the time he gets home!

Jan Lester….you had success so why not try again? Need more posters! PLEASE! When I’m back to work on Monday, need posts so I know what went on all day!

The nest is empty so much now. I was in Riverhead at BJ’s the other day when I heard that unmistakable osprey call. I looked up to see 2 above me, circling and playing in the breezes. It looked like 2 juvies from the way they flapped, so I imagined for a moment our 2 doing the same elsewhere….

ALL OZ FOLLOWERS –
8-10-17 Baby 2 got up close and I was able to get a great shot of a closed eye which is amazing so here is just some info on the Osprey Eye. If yu cick on the link you can see pictures and so much more info. I have more but just cant find right now.
I hope you learn something new today.
Love my Osprey Family and Followers

With forward-facing eyes, the bald eagle has a wide field of binocular vision.
Vision is the most important sense for birds, since good eyesight is essential for safe flight, and this group has a number of adaptations which give visual acuity superior to that of other vertebrate groups; a pigeon has been described as “two eyes with wings”.[1] The avian eye resembles that of a reptile, with ciliary muscles that can change the shape of the lens rapidly and to a greater extent than in the mammals. Birds have the largest eyes relative to their size in the animal kingdom, and movement is consequently limited within the eye’s bony socket.[1] In addition to the two eyelids usually found in vertebrates, it is protected by a third transparent movable membrane. The eye’s internal anatomy is similar to that of other vertebrates, but has a structure, the pecten oculi, unique to birds.
Some bird groups have specific modifications to their visual system linked to their way of life. BIRDS OF PREY have a very high density of receptors and other adaptations that maximise visual acuity. The placement of their eyes gives them good binocular vision enabling accurate judgement of distances. Nocturnal species have tubular eyes, low numbers of colour detectors, but a high density of rod cells which function well in poor light. Terns, gulls and albatrosses are amongst the seabirds which have red or yellow oil droplets in the colour receptors to improve distance vision especially in hazy conditions.
Extraocular anatomy[edit]
The eye of a bird most closely resembles that of the reptiles. Unlike the mammalian eye, it is not spherical, and the flatter shape enables more of its visual field to be in focus. A circle of bony plates, the sclerotic ring, surrounds the eye and holds it rigid, but an improvement over the reptilian eye, also found in mammals, is that the lens is pushed further forward, increasing the size of the image on the retina.[2]

Visual fields for a pigeon and an owl
Most birds cannot move their eyes, although there are exceptions, such as the great cormorant.[3] Birds with eyes on the sides of their heads have a wide visual field, useful for detecting predators, while those with eyes on the front of their heads, such as owls, have binocular vision and can estimate distances when hunting.[4] The American woodcock probably has the largest visual field of any bird, 360° in the horizontal plane, and 180° in the vertical plane.[5]

The nictitating membrane of a masked lapwing
The eyelids of a bird are not used in blinking. Instead the eye is lubricated by the nictitating membrane, a third concealed eyelid that sweeps horizontally across the eye like a windscreen wiper.[6] The nictitating membrane also covers the eye and acts as a contact lens in many aquatic birds when they are under water.[7] When sleeping, the lower eyelid rises to cover the eye in most birds, with the exception of the horned owls where the upper eyelid is mobile.[8]
The eye is also cleaned by tear secretions from the lachrymal gland and protected by an oily substance from the Harderian glands which coats the cornea and prevents dryness. The eye of a bird is larger compared to the size of the animal than for any other group of animals, although much of it is concealed in its skull. The ostrich has the largest eye of any land vertebrate, with an axial length of 50 mm (2 in), twice that of the human eye.[1]
Bird eye size is broadly related to body mass. A study of five orders (parrots, pigeons, petrels, raptors and owls) showed that eye mass is proportional to body mass, but as expected from their habits and visual ecology, raptors and owls have relatively large eyes for their body mass.[9]

Thank you for this wonderful view into this osprey family…I’ve been watching for a few weeks., and tried to post a couple pics, following the steps here, but not sure it worked. Wondering, if I fill in my name/email address below, what info is required in the block that says ‘Website’? I have nothing to put there. OK, Here’s another attempt, including a quick screen shot yesterday of parent lifting off from nest, taking a fish…away!…From 8 August. Trying to learn what I can about your posting process here, so here’s a question or two: Will my post appear above, on this page? Just wondering if somehow my previous attempts were ‘showing up’ somewhere else? Let’s try :). I’ve got many screen shots of the family, and want to thank those who always provide pics, they’re great, and so much fun to read all the comments. (Carol IV, really loved your shots/comments yesterday when George (I think?) did the ‘whacky footwork while face down’ performance!….thx to the entire group of people who make this site possible.

We have a volunteer moderator who does this when he can, so posts take a while to show up. Should show at top of comments on your screen as “waiting…” To add additional posts at the same time, click on “reply” at top of your post and the comment box will open there. Good luck.

HELEN: HI!
RJONEAL: Thanks for comps…
RENEE WOLF: I thought the bird in your bee stand-off pics might be Brownie but since I wasn’t sure, I didn’t say. I do best i.d ing when I can watch video. Maybe someone else will tell you.

CarolV – Why don’t you look at the beaks if you look at the beak going up towards the head baby2 is mostly white baby1 has lots of black stripes, it’s so much easier than looking at the back of the head. If you get a face view that is.
They are both so unique in their own special ways I will miss them both dearly when they leave.

Thank you Rjoneal and everyone for updates. Have not had time to watch often this year. That lonesome little egg! But I am glad it did not hatch. This nest has fared better than many this year. Muddy waters causing starvation, owls, eagles, and malformed or something wrong in the egg causing so much loss of babies this year. So very sad. Happy to see some nests have made it with at least one baby, and this had two! Good G&G parents. Hope they do not leave too early, enjoy watching them.

Reply- Bonnie S.
So many failed nests this year. We are so fortunate that as far as we know there are hardly any predators around our nest in Long Island.
No Eagles are owls have been around the nest that we know. So as far as predators it’s mostly those darn crows and other ospreys. So glad even though I love all birds glad there are no Owls and Eagles around to take our babies or even hurt George and Gracie.
And yes it was really nice to only have 2 babies this year A lot less drama and more time to focus on the beauty.
Also while the babies were young we got to see a lot more of George and Gracie bonding a lot more time together for mom and dad.

Thank goodness Paul and Tommy got together and put up this camera. Our Osprey family and followers has been a significant part of my life for the past three years.
Take care Bonnie thanks for posting and your sweet comment. 😃
Love our Osprey family and followers

8-11-17 Reply- Helen thank you for looking at them. Glad you are still watching as if you could take your eyes off our beautiful Osprey Family. Soon our babies will be fishing for themselves. It will be interesting to see if we have another Brutus or Sandy this year. Meaning Brutus and Sandy the years prior were great at fishing but always wanted free handouts from George and Gracie and loved to hang out in the nest. I mean laying down they were not much on sitting. Who will be the first to bring in their own fish??
Take care,stay in touch,keep watching. HUGS

Good shot CarolV I was watching this when it happened and you better believe Gracie was hungry and wanted to fish.
We are seeing less and less of Gracie so I hope she continues to come around the nest in camera view before she leaves at the end of August or first week of September.

I Agree. I was screaming at my computer Telling the other baby wait your turn daddy is getting you a fish just hang on a minute. He’s not gonna let you starve he knows there are two of you you’ll be back.
My family thinks I’m crazy when they hear me talking to the ospreys. Just can’t help it it’s like watching a TV show.

Like this shot and wanted to share………
…………………………Blondie was daydreaming when Brownie flew in and seemingly startled her..
The kids are hanging around and there’s some loud complaining happening. Hungry? Brownie is in and out but Blondie has turned in to the stay at home princess waiting for delivery service.
Does anyone else think Gracie is distancing herself early this year?

There’s a lot of banging going on down below. I always wonder what they’re building or fixing. My son says I’m nosy. What’s wrong with that?

Yes, I believe Gracee is keeping a distance somewhat and is keeping an eye on the progress of the babies. I think Gracie is more in the Gracie mode then parenting mode and is starting to prepare to fatten her self up to migrate end of August 1 week of September..
I know Gracie is saying will you please just catch a fish so I know it’s almost time to go.
Once they start catching their own fish then Gracie gets to sit back fatten up for her long winter haul.

Rodee
Best Wishes from all of us at OspreyZone and of course Gracie and George and the Youngsters we missed you and all the contributions that you make here at OspreyZone I hope you are up to commenting on our Family also if there is anything we can do for you in the future
I know that this is a very private matter in your life but please know we are thinking of you and as always Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you

@17:32…………There was MAJOR toe pulling on this delivery!! Both kids were in when George landed with a fish.
Brownie went for it and got George’s toe……
The fish was dropped and Blondie seized the opportunity to grab it.

Someone is begging on the perch………….
The rain has started on the South Fork, about 1/2hr. ago. Front is moving northward, while we are west and south of nest. The worst rain may come overnight, but there is some indication front may move south of LI and miss us……….or so they say……….

Thank you all sooooooooo much for your comments and pictures. It makes checking in with the OZ family even more fun. And, of course, a thousand thanks to the generous hosts for sharing this wonderful experience with all of us.

8-9-17 Reply- Judith W glad you are still watching our wonderful osprey family. Summertime just would not be the same without them. Babies are growing more and more independent so it wont be long now before they should start fishing. I mean they have been doing practice dives but soon they will actually get a fish.
Yes our Aidan has been wonderful keeping on top of things and if it wasn’t for Paul and Tommy along with helpers we would not get to see and learn about our beautiful Long Island Osprey Family.
Keep watching and keep posting.
Love Our Osprey Family and Followers

19:13—MAMA’S BACK! was thinking an a.p.b. might need to be sent out! Guess she was on a gal’s day-out and had dinner. She came home with a fishy-bag…..

She’s eyeing that perch. It’s been a merry-go -round up there….you could hear someone up there earlier. First, Brownie did his p,s. and flew out to head up there…it took him 3-4 fly arounds before he stuck a landing.. Then a bit later, Blondie did her p.s. and flew out and around and shook the whole camera on landing!
Then George came in with a fish and Blondie hopped down to grab it. No sooner than a spot was open, George jumped up! Have they added the extra room we talked about last year?

Yes, I suspect I am one of the new followers of the webcam, however, after many years of watching the Ospreys in Orient (I am a retired conservation officer from overseas), I recently took some new photos and discovered the camera. When I arrived home, I Googled the whereabouts of the cam and found the link.Unfortunately my photos are not that perfect since I randomly take my camera while out and about, and the weight of the extended lens tends to cause me to tremble!! I do have a tripod, but most of my shots are spontaneous events with no warning or time to set up. I am sure you appreciate this!

Thanks so much! We rarely get out side the nest views! Just keep in mind, please, this is private property and a quiet neighborhood, so no one who knows the actual location publicizes it.
Love the photos!

After reading the warning at the top of this blog about private property, I suspected their might just be be some comment about my photos. No-one need worry since they are taken from the Southold Town public beach which I swim from most days and until recently always forgot to bring the camera. The Orient nests are taken from the road on the causeway.

At 10:03:45 am Gracie brought a fish to the nest; first time she’s done so this season. Chick #1 was on the nest and went to grab the fish, but instead grabbed Gracie’s toe — ouch!! — pulling and yanking on it for what seemed like forever … oh, yeah, that’s right, I was playing the video in slow motion to get pictures. It eventually let go of Gracie’s toe and tried unsuccessfully to grab the fish. For whatever reason, Gracie then flew off with the fish.

Saturday night 8/5 around 20:16 chick 2 went up to perch the around 20:20 chick 1 went up..they stayed the full night. Gracie slept in nest..first time I can remember chicks stay full night on perch and Mom in nest. It seems to be their favorite spot…bad for us we will never see them except for dindin time..They should be soon catching their own fish..last year it varied from 9 days to 19 days after fledging. My guess 2 will catch first fish..

Watching George standing there brought to mind another chick who always knew when a fish came in to the nest and would come screaming-you could here him/her from far away and track her/him all the way in! I believe it was our Sandy in 2015. Can anyone tell me if that’s correct?
I just remember how I loved listening to that bird arrive…..It was too funny!

I like to think of some of my Comments as Grounded In Reality. Sometimes the little things can get blown up and misconceptions appear to run rampant. I’ve noticed that we have some New Ospreyphiles that are viewing OspreyZone Webcam for the first time. You were probably redirected from another Webcam that’s Production Quality is a little more sophisticated than that of OspreyZone
So what I would suggest to the Newcomers is that they scroll down and read some previous comments and posts so you can get a feel for this sites scope. And when you have an idea of what’s going on your posts will be Right On The Money

The storms are staying west of here again…they’re having downpours further up the Island while we have overcast skies. The forecast for overnight tonight is storms all over the tri-state area, which includes us. We do need some rain out here.

This was funny. Yesterday afternoon, a few minutes after 4 pm, chick #1 was at the front of the nest eating a fish and chick #2 was on the right eating a fish, mostly only its shadow visible. Chick #1 suddenly stopped eating and was watching something off to the left and you could see from chick #2’s shadow that it was watching that something, too. Then George or Gracie, on the perch, called out an alarm. Chick #1 pancaked and chick #2 flew away and a skein of what looked like geese flew passed.

Aidan instituted a new system wherein the pics are small to take up less space. Just click on one and it enlarges. There were enough people who disliked the comment flow interrupted by the amount of pictures that he found this compromise……

And yes, they are both flying—Chick#2 went first…July 30, 17 @13:14:11………………………….chick#1-Aug 2 about 08:30-If you haven’t seen already, scroll back to where Betsy has posted some stats

I was lucky enough to see Brownie#2 fledging…..bummer that I had to work the day Blondie #1 went—BTW- just my nicknames

Brownie on sky-watch…
Weather has been a mix of sun and cloudy–same tomorrow. temps low 70s tonight-mid to high 70s tomorrow. there was some wild weather west of here near NYC yesterday evening (downpours resulting in flooding and large hail) but the storms broke up before they got out here There was nothing on my side of the island(could have used some) while I heard there was a brief 5 min. downpour on parts of the North Fork.

We don’t pay anything for the privilege of watching the nest, and the “production” is not a production, and not television. I personally would like a more orderly comment section, but I have no right to demand it. We see these birds through kindness. It’s nice to hear from the site owners, but we can’t demand it; we have no idea of the demands and obligations they face in “real” life. It’s perfectly appropriate, in my view, to point out video irregularities, in case they have not been recognized, but that’s about as far as we can go, I think.

Hear hear well put, Sarah Lynn. Actually the comment section has improved but as you say, we see these birds sole because of the generosity and good will of the site owners. We should be grateful for that and the enjoyment they have given us!

I just wanted to remind everyone and let the new- comers know as much as we would like to believe that the juv intruders or just believe that Sandy or Ronnie are back home in the area the statistics show Not likely.

Message from Rob Bierregaard and a picture he was kind enough to send me so I can share with everyone below.

Here’s a picture of a juvenile Osprey in December of its first year. The spots have already worn off the contour feathers, so you already can’t tell this is a juvenile (unless you are close enough to see the still slightly orange eyes). So, you are absolutely correct, by the time birds get back to their nest areas, if they even get there at all—and most (90%) never go exactly back to their natural areas—there is NO way anyone, including the adults at the nest, could tell that they are 1st year returning birds, much less recognize them as birds that were born there almost 2 years before.

Rob

PS we emotional humans still can dream our babies came home and are out there starting their new families and getting ready to migrate soon also. They have marked a certain part of our soul forever and we will always have them with us.Dream Big!
Love Our Osprey Family and Followers

Oh Lord, thank you for this! As I see tonight’s cam I am reminded of the year about the same time of Gracie stately standing on the famous perch, guarding her brood under the beautiful moonlight, and now I think, is waiting for what’s his name to lay down in the nest. Thanks again for your post, Rj, and for Rob B’s info…..Let’s try to name 2017 healthy babes soon!! xoxo

8-5-17 Reply- Patty K You are welcome, love to share any info and pictures I get from Rob. Those are good memories and now Gracie has been hanging out at the nest a lot and observing how her babies are growing and perfecting their skills with flying and soon fishing on their own. She is such a good mommy osprey. We cant forget Stud Muffin George has done wonderful keeping the supply of fish coming. Gracie has not even started fishing herself yet. Usually around the time the babies fledge Gracie would start fishing too. But hey she has a good mate so she will wait to fish when he slows down the deliveries. Remember they should slow down bringing in fish to help encourage our babies to fish on their own. I cant wait to see our babies bring in their first fish. Take care
Love our Osprey Family and Followers!

They are most likely in South America, if successfully able to navigate the very difficult migration ( less than 50 % of juveniles do ). Osprey do not come back north until two years old and have been known to start nests within 100 miles of their birthplace.

8-2-17 Paul or Aidan are you going to do a Baby Naming Contest like you have done in the past after both Babies fledge?
Thanks for giving us another successful year so far with George and Gracie and our 2 adorable babies.
Love our Osprey Family and Followers

8-3-17 Walter this nest camera does not rotate like other sites so unfortunately it is a permanent view.
However it is a beautiful view and we are just glad they keep the camera on all year round.
If you are new to our nest Welcome and please feel free up at the top to click on any of LIVE FEED/ NAME THE BABIES/ HIGHLIGHTS/ ABOUT/ PRESS/ GET IN THE ZONE/ STORE/Highlights
This will give you a little background on the George & Gracie Nest.
Love Our Osprey Family and Followers

I see that my response from yesterday to Trinity and Chris H was not posted. I’m curious as to why since there was nothing untoward or outlandish in my comment. I merely asked what their explanation (for the ongoing choppiness of the video stream) would be, defined the word sponsor and gave the word’s Latin origin and the inherent obligations of sponsorship. I must have hit too close to home and the truth was recognized. You know, not only is what a company chooses to sponsor a reflection of that company, so is how well or poorly they maintain that sponsorship; it gives some indication of the company’s standards and values. I’m sure most people can recognize that.

Your definition of outlandish is clearly different from mine. This is a private nature camera and website, not an Audubon Society or by a publicly funded foundation. Tommy, Aidan, Paul and anyone else involved are free to run OZ however they see fit. If it doesn’t reach your standards find another website. There are dozens to choose from.

HOW DARE YOU…They can take this cam down in a blink of an eye…your not paying for it..Choppy..loss of sound..going blank here and there..thats the way it goes sometimes..
To refer to their business standards is shameful…no I do not recognize that and most of OZ will agree…Just enjoy this beautiful family….

Betsy and All the Ospreyphiles and Our Entire Extended OspreyZone Family that has now gone International

I hate to keep reminding everyone here at OspreyZone about Trolls and Trolling.
All those these would be individuals may or may not be Trolls in the common sense they are disruptive when in comes to the harmonious atmosphere that we all have tirelessly to achieve here at OspreyZone

While we as Humans want to be loved and respected by our Peers that comes a time when the perception of ourselves is challenged by someone who knows nothing about our lives and what kind of person we really are deep down inside ourselves

I’ve been a member of Our Osprey Family and a follower of OspreyZone from the get go. And as in any Family we do have our differences but nothing that I would consider Malicious or Vindictive. From my personal experience and observations of everyone’s posts and comments by in large are nothing but courteous and respectful to one and all

So basically what I’m trying to say and I hope that I speak for many is that let’s let all the comments that we may deem obtrusive or sometimes hurtful. Let’s just let them roll off our backs a dismiss them as just “One Of Those Things” and not let it interrupt the pleasant atmosphere that we all have worked long and hard to achieve

What is a ‘Corporate Sponsorship’
A corporate sponsorship is a form of marketing in which a corporation pays for all of (sic) some of the costs associated with a project or program in exchange for recognition. Corporations may have their logos and brand names displayed alongside of the organization undertaking the project or program, with specific mention that the corporation has provided funding. Corporate sponsorships are commonly associated with nonprofit groups, who generally would not be able to fund operations and activities without outside financial assistance. It is not the same as philanthropy . http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/corporate-sponsorship.asp#ixzz4onMvC2ez

All of the above is very informative, thank you. Sponsorship and Philanthropy aside, a statement like this one made on July 30th, “The video stream has been horrible for over 2 weeks, so, apparently, Paul and Aidan don’t watch it or, in my opinion, more likely don’t care about the video … or the viewers.”, surely cause personal harm. The above supplied info does not negate the need for an apology. The pursuit of perfection can be very blinding to the better aspects of our Human nature.

Dear Betsy, Doubt very much if new visitors are past G&G chicks. That, I believe is not likely no matter how much it pleases us to think so. I know I could be totally wrong and wouldn’t a family reunion be nice? I would think year old chicks feathers would no longer be spotted but though I have read much I am no expert. Still it was nice to see them all seem to get along for the most part and I have not seen that before since I don’t spend as much time as y’all on the site. Always appreciate your art and comments. Hope you are well. Yours, Bob (the same Bob as the last two years from Longboat Key Florida where we have lots of osprey and formerly from Long Island where OZ is located)

Bob: Thank you, Bob, for your compliment. I never mentioned that the visitors are past G&G chicks, just wanted to point that out. In fact, I posted this year that last years’ chicks would still be at their migratory grounds and last year I posted that any previous chicks would be unrecognizable and would most likely not be in the immediate area.

Bob
August 5, 2017 at 9:58 am

Dear Betsy, Sorry, didn’t mean to have misunderstood you. Doesn’t really matter I guess since, as I said, I am no expert on the birds, just love them as everyone else does. Some often eat a fish on top of the building I reside in and that is both fun and messy. Was surprised to see the visitors as I don’t believe that has happened too often in such a non-confrontational manner. I enjoyed it very much as I am sure you did. Be well. Bob

Reply- Marilyn G. No it is not Sandy or Ronnie since these birds are Juv and Sandy and Ronnie would look like adult Osprey by the time they migrate back home. See my posting above message from Rob. Thanks for posting and take care.
Love Our Osprey Family and Followers

On Monday, August 21, 2017, North Americans will get an opportunity to observe nature’s greatest show — a total eclipse of the Sun. This total eclipse of the Sun will be the first in nearly four decades that will be visible so close to home………………Farmers’ Almanac has a chart showing times, and percentage of coverage for various cities across US

Don’t get to watch much anymore but glad I tuned in this evening…. it was very interesting with some visitors…I’m thinking: Chick 2 must of invited some friends for some nest-overs while out and about (the one looks like the visitor from a few days ago, and it looks like they brought their bro/sis!) Chick 1 was not happy she lost what was left of her fish and eventually started to lose her patience (trying to shoo them off)…finally after a few HOURS of Osprey games, they must of heard Mom calling and split..